Frame construction for eyewear having removable auxiliary lenses

ABSTRACT

Eyeglasses and clip-ons are improved by providing housings for magnets for securing the clip-ons in a uniblock also incorporating one or more of the following: part of a closing block, an end piece, and part of a hinge. The structure is more compact, neater in appearance, and of improved quality as compared to eyeglasses incorporating conventional structures, and is less expensive to manufacture than many conventional eyeglasses, especially in large volume.

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.08/845,125, which was filed on Apr. 18, 1997 and which has issued asU.S. Pat. No. 6,149,269 on Nov. 21, 2000.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to eyeglasses and more particularly to eyeglasseshaving a novel and highly effective uniblock of which a portion forms ahousing for a magnet or other securing means adapted to secure anauxiliary lens (with or without a frame) in place over or behind aprimary lens (with or without a frame).

2. Description of the Prior Art

Eyeglasses equipped with one or more magnets adapted to secure anauxiliary lens in superimposed relation to a primary lens are known anddisclosed for example in a Chao U.S. Pat. No. 5,568,207. That patentdiscloses eyeglasses including primary and auxiliary frames eachsupporting lenses. The primary frame includes two “legs” respectivelyconnected to two side extensions and includes two magnetic memberssecured in the legs. The auxiliary frame includes two legs each having amagnetic member engageable with the magnetic members of the primaryframe to secure the frames together and to prevent the auxiliary framefrom moving downward relative to the primary frame.

An earlier disclosure of eyeglasses having magnets for securingauxiliary lenses to primary lenses is found in a Meeker U.S. Pat. No.4,070,103. The Meeker patent discloses an eyeglasses frame that includesa magnetic material secured to a peripheral portion thereof forfacilitating attachment of an auxiliary lens rim cover to the frame. Thelens rim cover also includes a magnetic strip engageable with themagnetic material of the frame.

A Sadler U.S. Pat. No. 5,416,537 discloses first magnetic membersrespectively secured to temporal portions of a primary frame and secondmagnetic members secured to corresponding temporal portions of auxiliarylenses.

In eyeglasses constructed in accordance with the prior art, thepiecemeal assembly of closing block, end piece, magnet housing andtemple-piece hinge produces a structure that is unduly strung out orelongate, and the housing for the magnet is bulky and unsightly. Sinceconventional eyeglasses of this type require soldering, they are alsolabor-intensive and expensive to manufacture, and the resultingstructure is weakened by the cycles of heating and cooling, so that theframes do not hold their shape and are more likely to break. Inaddition, the need to assemble so many large pieces in conventionaleyeglasses limits the design possibilities.

OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the invention is to remedy the problems of the prior artnoted above and in particular to provide an eyeglasses uniblock that ismore attractive than corresponding structures in prior eyeglasses andless expensive than many of them.

Another object of the invention is to provide an eyeglasses uniblockthat can be incorporated in a primary structure (the eyeglasses proper)or an auxiliary structure (sometimes called clip-ons, even if held bymagnets instead of clips).

Another object of the invention is to provide eyeglasses and clip-onsthat take advantage of the new styling possibilities afforded by theinvention.

Another object of the invention is to provide eyeglasses of improvedquality and stability.

The foregoing and other objects of the invention are attained inaccordance with a first embodiment thereof by providing an eyeglassesuniblock comprising a portion forming a housing for securing meansadapted to secure an auxiliary lens in superimposed relation to (infront of or behind) a primary lens and a portion forming a part of aclosing block for securing the uniblock to a frame for one of thelenses.

In accordance with other embodiments of the invention, structuresforming (1) a housing for a magnet or other securing means, (2) part ofa closing block, (3) an end piece, and (4) parts of a hinge are combinedin different ways, as follows:

-   -   an eyeglasses uniblock comprising a portion forming a housing        for a magnet adapted to secure an auxiliary lens in superimposed        relation to a primary lens and a portion forming an end piece        adapted for connection to one of the lenses;    -   an eyeglasses uniblock comprising a portion forming a housing        for a magnet adapted to secure an auxiliary lens in superimposed        relation to a primary lens and a portion forming a part of a        hinge for supporting a temple piece;    -   an eyeglasses uniblock comprising a portion forming a housing        for a magnet adapted to secure an auxiliary lens in superimposed        relation to a primary lens, a portion forming a part of a        closing block for securing the uniblock to one of the lenses,        and a portion forming an end piece adapted for connection to        said one of the lenses;    -   an eyeglasses uniblock comprising a portion forming a housing        for a magnet adapted to secure an auxiliary lens in superimposed        relation to a primary lens, a portion forming an end piece        adapted for connection to the primary lens, and a portion        forming a part of a hinge for supporting a temple piece;    -   an eyeglasses uniblock comprising a portion forming a housing        for a magnet adapted to secure an auxiliary lens in superimposed        relation to a primary lens, a portion forming a part of a        closing block for securing the uniblock to the primary lens, a        portion forming an end piece adapted for connection to a primary        lens, and a portion forming a part of a hinge for supporting a        temple piece.

In accordance with other embodiments of the invention, eyeglasses areprovided comprising different combinations of features, as follows:

-   -   first and second primary lenses and first and second uniblocks,        the first uniblock comprising a portion forming a first housing        for a first magnet adapted to secure auxiliary lenses in        superimposed relation to primary lenses and a portion forming a        part of a first closing block for securing the first uniblock to        the first primary lens; and the second uniblock comprising a        portion forming a second housing for a second magnet adapted to        secure auxiliary lenses in superimposed relation to the primary        lenses and a portion forming a part of a second closing block        for securing the second uniblock to the second primary lens;    -   first and second primary lenses, first and second uniblocks,        third and fourth auxiliary lenses, and third and forth        uniblocks, wherein: the first uniblock comprises a portion        forming a first housing for a first magnet adapted to secure the        auxiliary lenses in superimposed relation to the primary lenses        and a portion forming a part of a first closing block for        securing the first uniblock to the first primary lens; the        second uniblock comprises a portion forming a second housing for        a second magnet adapted to secure the auxiliary lenses in        superimposed relation to the primary lenses and a portion        forming a part of a second closing block for securing the second        uniblock to the second primary lens; the third uniblock        comprises a portion forming a third housing for a third magnet        adapted to secure the auxiliary lenses in superimposed relation        to the primary lenses and a portion forming a part of a third        closing block for securing the third uniblock to the third        auxiliary lens; and the fourth uniblock comprises a portion        forming a fourth housing for a fourth magnet adapted to secure        the auxiliary lenses in superimposed relation to the primary        lenses and a portion forming a part of a fourth closing block        for securing the fourth uniblock to the fourth auxiliary lens.

In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, there areprovided, in combination, an upper eyeglasses uniblock comprising aportion forming a housing for a magnet adapted to secure an auxiliarylens in superimposed relation to a primary lens and a portion forming apart of a closing block; and a lower eyeglasses uniblock, the upper andlower uniblocks being joined together in superimposed relation to form acomposite structure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

A better understanding of the objects, features and advantages of theinvention can be gained from a consideration of the following detaileddescription of the preferred embodiments of the invention, inconjunction with the appended figures of the drawing, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view from above of a first embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view from below of the structure shown in FIG.1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view from above of another embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view from below of another embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view from above of the structure shownin FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view from above of another embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view from below of the structureillustrated in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view from above of another embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective from below of a portion of thestructure illustrated in FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view from above of another embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view from below of the structureshown in FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view from above of another embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view from above of another embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view from above of another embodimentof the invention;

FIG. 15 is an exploded top view of the structure shown in FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is an assembled perspective view from above of the structure ofFIGS. 14 and 15;

FIG. 17 is a top view of the structure shown in FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 is an exploded perspective view from above of another embodimentof the invention;

FIG. 19 is an exploded perspective view from above of another embodimentof the invention;

FIG. 20 is a top view of the structure shown in FIG. 19;

FIG. 21 is a perspective view from above of another embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 22 is a bottom view, partly in section, of the structure shown inFIG. 21;

FIG. 23 is an exploded perspective view from above of the structure ofFIG. 21;

FIG. 24 is an exploded perspective view from above of another embodimentof the invention;

FIG. 25 is a perspective view from above of another embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 26 is a top view of a left uniblock constructed in accordance withthe invention;

FIG. 27 is a bottom view of a right uniblock constructed in accordancewith the invention and forming a pair with the uniblock of FIG. 26;

FIGS. 28 and 29 are views in axial section of two embodiments of amagnet housing constructed in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 30 is a view in a direction at a right angle to the views of FIGS.28 and 29, and, showing the shape of a bar magnet and magnet housing asseen by an observer of one embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 31-34 are views similar to FIG. 32 showing housing and magnetshapes in other embodiments of the invention;

FIGS. 35 and 36 are respectively top and front views of one embodimentof auxiliary lenses constructed in accordance with the invention; and

FIGS. 37 and 38 are respectively top and front views of the auxiliarylenses of FIGS. 35 and 36 secured in superimposed relation to compatiblydesigned primary eyeglasses constructed in accordance with theinvention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view from above of a first embodimentof structure including an eyeglasses uniblock 10 constructed inaccordance with the invention. The uniblock 10 is a cast structure andcomprises a housing 12 for a magnet 14 adapted to secure an auxiliarylens 16 over a primary lens 18 (both illustrated for example in FIG.13). Instead of the magnet 14, snaps, slides, notches, clips or othersecuring means (not illustrated) can be employed. Instead of being cast,the uniblock 10 can be extruded or stamped.

The uniblock 10 also comprises a portion 20 forming a part of a closingblock 22 for securing the uniblock 10 to one of the lenses, for examplethe primary lens 18. The closing block 22 secures the uniblock 10 to alens since the portion 20 is connected to one end 24 a (FIG. 1) of aframe or rim 24 that surrounds the lens. The other end 24 b of the rim24 has a flange 26 that fits into a recess 28 (FIG. 2) on the part 20and is secured by a screw or pin 30.

The uniblock 10 of FIG. 1 incorporates, as part of the same one-piececast structure, an end piece 32 providing a neat appearance.

The uniblock 10 also comprises a portion 34 forming a part of a hingefor supporting a temple piece 36. The temple piece 36 has an opening 38that aligns with openings 40, 42 (FIGS. 1 and 2) in the hinge part 34and is inserted within a slot 44 formed in the hinge part 34. A pin orscrew 48 (FIG. 3) is inserted to hold the temple piece 36 in positionand allow for its pivoting movement about the pin 48, so that the templepiece 36 and a companion temple piece on the other side of theeyeglasses can be folded for storage of the eyeglasses in a case,pocket, purse or drawer, etc., or opened for use. The invention is alsoadapted to be used with a hinge that does not employ a pin or screw.

In FIGS. 1 and 2 the magnet 14, which is a bar magnet, is oriented withits axis vertical; in FIG. 3, it is oriented with its axis horizontal.It is also within the scope of the invention to employ horseshoe magnetsand magnets of other designs. In FIGS. 1 and 2, the pin or screw 30 isinserted from above, and in FIG. 3 it is inserted from below. Otherorientations of the magnet, and the use of securing means other thanpins and screws are within the scope of the invention.

In FIGS. 4 and 5, the same parts are shown as in FIGS. 1-3, but they aresplit along a horizontal plane 49 into an upper eyeglasses uniblock 50comprising a portion forming a housing 12 a for a magnet 14 adapted tosecure an auxiliary lens in superimposed relation to a primary lens anda portion 22 a forming a part of a closing block; and a lower eyeglassesuniblock 52, the upper and lower uniblocks 50, 52 being joined togetherin superimposed relation by a pin or screw 20 to form the compositestructure shown in FIG. 4. In FIGS. 4 and 5, the lower uniblock 52includes a portion 12 b forming a housing for the magnet 14 and aportion 22 b forming a part of the closing block. The uniblock can beproduced by casting, stamping or extruding depending on the shape usedand degree cost savings required.

In FIGS. 6 and 7, the eyeglasses uniblock 10 comprises a portion forminga housing 12 for a magnet 14 adapted to secure an auxiliary lens insuperimposed relation to a primary lens and a portion forming a part ofa closing block 22 for securing the uniblock 10 to one of the lenses. Aseparate end piece 54 is provided for neatness and is soldered in place.In FIGS. 6 and 7, the uniblock is secured temporally to one of thelenses (since it is attached temporally to a rim that surrounds thelens).

In FIG. 8, the uniblock 10 is attached nasally to one of the lenses(since it is attached to a frame 24 that surrounds the lens). FIG. 8also shows a second uniblock 10 x similarly attached to the other lens(since it is attached to a frame 24 x that surrounds the other lens). Abridge 56 connects the uniblocks 10 and 10 x.

FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view from below showing the manner inwhich the structure is assembled. A screw 30 is inserted from below tosecure the closing block.

FIG. 10 shows an embodiment of a uniblock 10 y applicable to anauxiliary lens 16. It shows a portion forming a housing for a magnet 14adapted to secure an auxiliary lens in superimposed relation to aprimary lens and a portion forming a part of a closing block 22 forsecuring the uniblock 10 y to one of the auxiliary lenses 16.

FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view showing the structure frombelow, including a screw 30 that secures the closing block 22.

FIG. 12 shows the combination of an upper eyeglasses uniblock 50comprising a portion forming a housing for a magnet 14 adapted to securean auxiliary lens 16 in superimposed relation to a primary lens and aportion 22 a forming a part of a closing block 22; and a lowereyeglasses uniblock 52 comprising a portion forming a housing for themagnet 14 and a portion 22 b forming a part of the closing block 22, theupper and lower uniblocks 50, 52 being joined together in superimposedrelation to form a composite structure. In this case, the structure isapplied to an auxiliary lens.

FIG. 13 shows the cooperation of a primary lens 18, a uniblockassociated therewith, a secondary lens 16, and a uniblock associatedtherewith. Each of the uniblocks comprises a portion forming a housingfor a magnet adapted to secure an auxiliary lens in superimposedrelation to a primary lens and a portion forming a part of a closingblock for securing the uniblock to one of the lenses. The two magnetsare opposed north pole to south pole, so that they attract. It is alsowithin the scope of the invention to employ a magnet in one of theuniblocks opposed to a ferromagnetic material in the other uniblock. Itforms a more secure attachment, however, if two magnets are employed andjuxtaposed as indicated above.

In practice, of course, in the preferred embodiments of the inventionfour magnets are employed altogether, two on either side of theeyeglasses.

FIGS. 14-17 show an eyeglasses uniblock 10 comprising a portion forminga housing 12 for a magnet 14 adapted to secure an auxiliary lens insuperimposed relation to a primary lens and a portion 34 forming a partof a hinge for supporting a temple piece 36. A clip-on 60 has a magnet14′ supported by an arm 58 forming part of a uniblock 10′ attached tothe auxiliary lens 16 (through its frame 24). The magnetic housings forthe two uniblocks 10, 10′ are shaped so that each magnet is orientedwith its axis horizontal. The arm 58 passes over the uniblock 10 for theprimary lens and is connected from the rear. FIGS. 16 and 17 show thestructure in assembled relation.

FIG. 18 shows the portion forming a magnet housing 12 and a portion 34forming a part of a hinge covered by a separate end piece 32 soldered inplace. The magnet axis is vertical.

The structures of FIGS. 14-18 are illustrated with frames, but it iswithin the scope of the invention to attach the uniblocks shown in thosefigures to a separate end piece which is attached to the lens directly,not through a frame surrounding the lens.

FIGS. 19 and 20 show an eyeglasses uniblock 10 comprising a portionforming a housing 12 for a magnet 14 adapted to secure an auxiliary lensin superimposed relation to a primary lens, a portion forming a part ofa closing block 22 for securing the uniblock to one of the lenses, and aportion 32 forming an a part 66 attached to the temple piece 36, and apin or screw 48 passing through aligned apertures in the two parts. FIG.20 shows the assembled structure as it appears from the top.

FIG. 21 shows an eyeglasses uniblock 10 comprising a portion forming ahousing 12 for a magnet 14 adapted to secure an auxiliary lens insuperimposed relation to a primary lens, a portion forming an end piece32 adapted for connection to the primary lens, and a portion 34 forminga part of a hinge for supporting a temple piece 36. The uniblock is castand especially adapted for use with an acetate frame.

FIG. 22 is a view from the bottom, partly in section, showing a pin orscrew 30 inserted from the rear in a dead-end cylindrical hole 68 forsecuring the uniblock 10 to the frame 24.

FIG. 23 is an exploded view of the uniblock 10 showing how it isassembled with the frame 24 by a pin or screw 30 and with the templepiece 36 by a pin or screw 48.

FIG. 24 shows a uniblock 10 comprising a portion forming a housing 12for a magnet 14 adapted to secure an auxiliary lens in superimposedrelation to a primary lens, a portion forming an end piece 32 adaptedfor connection to the primary lens, and a portion 34 forming a part of ahinge for supporting a temple piece 36. The uniblock of FIG. 24 isespecially adapted for use with a metal frames.

FIG. 25 shows a uniblock 10 having the same three elements constructedas a three-piece mount (mounted temporally without a frame). In thiscase, the uniblock 10 is attached to a post 70 that extends through thelens.

FIG. 26 is a top view of a left eyeglasses uniblock 10 comprising aportion forming a housing 12 for a magnet 14, a portion 32 forming anend piece, and a portion 34 forming a part of a hinge. The uniblock 10is attached to a rim 24.

FIG. 27 is a bottom view of a right eyeglasses uniblock 10 forming apair with the uniblock of FIG. 26. FIG. 27 also shows a lens.

FIG. 28 shows a housing 12 for a magnet. The housing 12 has a portion 72of a diameter approximately equal to the diameter of the magnet. Ashoulder 74 separates the housing portion 72 from another housingportion 76 having a diameter slightly smaller than the diameter of themagnet. The magnet is inserted from one side in the direction of thearrow 78 and is forced into the portion 76 having the smaller diameter,so that it is retained securely.

FIG. 29 is a sectional view of a magnet housing 12 closed at one end 80and having a uniform diameter. The magnet can be seated at 80 with theaid of an adhesive such as epoxy, or forced in place.

FIGS. 30-34 respectively show housings shaped to accommodate magnetsthat are respectively round, rectangular, square, elliptical and oval,as viewed in a direction parallel to the axes of the magnets.

FIGS. 35-38 show eyeglasses and auxiliary lenses mounted together inaccordance with the present invention.

Thus there is provided in accordance with the invention eyeglasseshaving a novel and highly effective uniblock of which a portion forms ahousing for a magnet or other securing means adapted to secure anauxiliary lens in superimposed relation to a primary lens. Manymodifications of a preferred embodiments disclosed herein will readilyoccur to those skilled in the art. The invention includes allembodiments thereof that fall within the scope of the appended claims.

1. Eyewear comprising a frame having a first lens and a second lenssupported therein, a first attachment housing extending from said frameadjacent said first lens, a second attachment housing extending fromsaid frame adjacent said second lens, a pair of temples hingedlyconnected to respective ones of said attachment housings and extendingrearwardly from said frame to secure said eyewear on a user thereof,each of said attachment housings having a rearwardly directed surfacewith a bore formed therein, a first magnetic member embedded within saidbore of said first attachment housing and a second magnetic memberembedded within said bore of said second attachment housing, each ofsaid magnetic members having an exposed rearwardly directed end faceadapted to cooperate with and secure auxiliary lenses in superimposedrelation to said first and second lenses.
 2. Eyewear according to claim1 wherein each of said end faces is flush with said rearwardly directedsurface.
 3. Eyewear according to claim 1 wherein each of said end facesof said magnetic member is planar.
 4. Eyewear according to claim 1wherein said magnetic member is cylindrical.
 5. Eyewear according toclaim 1 wherein said magnetic member is a magnet.
 6. Eyewear accordingto claim 1 wherein each of said attachment housings has an upper portionand a lower portion detachably secured to one another to facilitateinsertion of said lenses.
 7. Eyewear comprising a primary frame having afirst lens and a second lens supported therein, and an auxiliary framehaving a pair of auxiliary lenses to be mounted in superimposed relationto said first and second lenses, a first attachment housing extendingfrom said primary frame adjacent said first lens, a second attachmenthousing extending from said primary frame adjacent said second lens, apair of temples hingedly connected to respective ones of said attachmenthousings and extending rearwardly from said frame to secure said eyewearon a user thereof, each of said attachment housings having a rearwardlydirected surface with a magnetic member located thereon, said magneticmembers having a rearwardly directed end face parallel to saidrearwardly directed surfaces, and said auxiliary frame including a pairof arms extending rearwardly from said auxiliary frame and having a pairof magnetic members oriented to overlie and engage said rearwardlydirected surfaces, said magnetic members cooperating to secure saidauxiliary frame to said primary frame.
 8. Eyewear according to claim 7wherein each of said arms includes a forwardly directed surfaceengagable with said rearwardly directed surface of said attachmenthousing.
 9. Eyewear according to claim 7 wherein said magnetic memberson said attachment housings are located in respective bores formed insaid attachment housings.
 10. Eyewear according to claim 7 wherein saidrearwardly directed surface is planar and each of said arms includes aforwardly directed planar surface engagable with said rearwardlydirected surface of said attachment housing.
 11. Eyewear according toclaim 7 wherein each of said attachment housings has an upper portionand a lower portion detachably secured to one another to facilitateinsertion of said lenses.